A dramatic turn of events unfolded at Vandenberg Space Force Base as a mysterious aircraft entered the keep-out zone, forcing SpaceX to scrub the rocket countdown for the Starlink 11-8 launch just 11 seconds before liftoff.
The highly anticipated launch, which was set to take place on January 20, was scheduled to carry 27 Starlink satellites into orbit, marking the first flight for SpaceX since the Starship explosion.
According to reports from Spaceflight Now, the aircraft's presence in the restricted area posed a significant risk to the launch, prompting SpaceX to stand down and reschedule the launch for Sunday.
However, in a surprising twist, SpaceX announced that it would be standing down from the Sunday launch, rescheduling it for Monday instead, as reported by KSBY News.
This latest development has left many in the space community eager to learn more about the mysterious aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the launch scrub.
As SpaceX gears up for the rescheduled launch, the company remains tight-lipped about the details of the incident, fueling speculation and rumors about the identity of the aircraft and its intentions.
The Starlink satellite launch is a significant milestone for SpaceX, as it marks the company's first launch since the Starship explosion, which raised concerns about the safety and reliability of SpaceX's launch vehicles.
Despite the setback, SpaceX remains committed to its mission to provide high-speed internet access to remote and underserved communities around the world through its Starlink satellite constellation.
As the space community waits with bated breath for the rescheduled launch, one thing is certain - the mysterious aircraft has added a new layer of intrigue and drama to the world of space exploration.